Your guide to

How do I choose my 
online course

---

Your guide to online learning | 8
Do you know someone who has 
studied it?
If you can’t confirm the quality of an online 
programme through an independent ranking, 
another way to check is to speak to your network 
and find out if anyone has taken a course which 
they would recommend.
Or, if you already have a specific programme in 
mind, try using LinkedIn to reach out to people 
who have taken the course in the past and ask for 
their opinion. This will allow you to get an honest 
perspective on the benefits of each online 
programme, while also helping you grow your 
professional network.
How much does it cost?
Online programmes may cost less than in-person 
equivalents, but they can still require a significant 
investment. It’s also worth considering that the 
most expensive course isn’t automatically the 
best either. Make sure you’re applying to online 
programmes which you can afford but also which 
will offer you value for your money.
Can my employer sponsor me?
One way of dealing with the costs of an online 
programme is to ask for your employer to 
sponsor you. This is likely to only be relevant if 
the course you wish to take will have a positive 
impact on your day-to-day work – but is worth 
exploring as a source of financial aid if the online 
course provider allows it. 
How is the course taught?
We’ve touched on several online learning 
methods in this guide, such as asynchronous 
lectures and virtual “breakout rooms”. 
Everyone has a preferred way of learning 
and different courses will take a different 
approach. If you struggle for motivation when 
working independently, you’re going to want 
to prioritise online programmes which contain 
a high quantity of group work and online 
interaction (and vice versa).

---

Your guide to online learning | 9